Karamo Brown, the culture expert on 'Queer Eye', pulled out of multiple cast interviews on Tuesday, citing fears of bullying and a need to protect his mental health. His absence was announced during a 'CBS Mornings' segment promoting the show's upcoming 10th and final season.
In a statement read by host Gayle King, Brown said he hoped everyone remembers the theme he has tried to teach: 'to focus on and to protect their mental health/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it, which is why I can’t be there today.' King also referenced a note from Brown's assistant stating that he has 'felt mentally and emotionally abused for years' and was advised by his therapist to protect himself.
Co-stars Antoni Porowski, Jeremiah Brent, and Jonathan Van Ness expressed surprise and support. Porowski acknowledged that families are complicated, while Brent vouched for the group's character. Van Ness praised Brown for centering his own needs, saying, 'My hat off to him for doing that today.'
Variety has contacted Netflix for comment on the statements from Brown and his assistant.
